April 20 2026 at 02:00PM
Constructing More Than Buildings: A Journey in Project Leadership
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I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be featured in PMI Manitoba’s PM Spotlight. Reflecting on my journey, it’s clear that my path into project management wasn’t linear—it was built through years of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a commitment to growth.
A Journey Built from Ground Up
My career began in 1994 in the trades as a plumber and gas fitter apprentice. Like many in construction, I started at the ground level, learning the fundamentals through hard work and discipline. Over the next five years and more than 10,000 hours of experience, I earned my Red Seal certification as a plumber and my B Gas Fitter designation in 1999. Those early years shaped not only my technical abilities but also my work ethic and respect for the craft.
Soon after achieving my Red Seal, I found myself stepping into leadership roles—running jobs, coordinating work, and mentoring apprentices. At the time, I didn’t formally recognize it as project management, but in hindsight, that’s exactly what it was. I was planning, executing, solving problems, and leading teams. It was a “trial by fire” experience that taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: learning never stops.
I’ve always resonated with the philosophy of Kaizen—constant and never-ending improvement. In both life and the trades, there is always a better way to do things, and growth comes from being open to change, innovation, and reflection.
A major turning point in my journey came after I sold my plumbing and heating business and moved across the country to Victoria, British Columbia. I was at a crossroads, considering what direction to take next. I joined West Bay Mechanical as an estimator and project manager, and it was there that I made the decision to formally pursue project management as a profession.
To deepen my knowledge, I enrolled in the University of Victoria’s Master Certificate in Project Management program. After completing the program, I set my sights on earning my PMP certification through PMI. After months of self-study and a pre-exam prep course held by UBC, I successfully passed what remains one of the toughest exams I’ve ever taken. That achievement marked a significant milestone, both professionally and personally.
Earning my PMP opened new doors, leading to opportunities with greater responsibility and the chance to work on complex, high-impact projects.
Among the most notable were my first two projects with PML: The Royal BC Museum Research and Collections Building, a 164,000 sq. ft. mass timber facility housing laboratories and priceless artifacts, and the South Langford Elementary School, a 480-student facility. Both projects involved highly complex mechanical systems and coordination across multiple subtrades, with mechanical scopes approaching $40 million. These experiences pushed me to grow as a leader, communicator, and problem solver.
Building with Purpose at Penfor Construction
Today, I am proud to be part of Penfor Construction, a company with deep roots and a strong legacy in Western Canada. With decades of experience and origins grounded in agricultural construction, Penfor has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and long-standing client relationships. As part of the AgriHub Group of Companies, the organization benefits from a broader network of expertise and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. It’s a culture built on partnership, innovation, and accountability—values that strongly align with my own.
Within this environment, I am currently working on another exciting and fulfilling project of my career—The LINK Phase 2 in Winnipeg. This eight-storey, 252,500 square foot luxury multi-family development will deliver 133 suites designed for a 55+ community.
What makes this project special is that it goes beyond construction—it’s about creating a place where people can live, connect, and thrive. Being part of building not just a structure, but a community, brings a deeper sense of purpose to the work.
Like any project of this scale, it comes with challenges. Winter construction in Manitoba tested our resilience, requiring careful planning around heating, hoarding, and maintaining progress through harsh conditions. Long-term procurement timelines and estimating across a four-year schedule also add complexity that demands foresight and adaptability.
For me, project management is about more than schedules and budgets. It’s about relationships—built on trust and transparency—where teams, trades, and stakeholders work together toward a common goal. Success is never achieved alone; it’s the result of alignment and collective effort.
Leadership Through Action and Accountability
Leadership starts with leading by example. Whether on-site or in the boardroom, I believe in showing up with integrity, accountability, and a willingness to move the project forward.
What drives me is the ability to look back and see what we’ve accomplished as a team. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a project come to life—from concept to completion. I believe in progress over perfection—taking action, making decisions, and refining along the way.
At the end of the day, seeing what we’ve built—and knowing the impact it will have on others—gives me a deep sense of satisfaction.
“Great projects aren’t just built with plans and processes—they’re built by people who are willing to take action, grow continuously, and work together to create something that truly matters.”
Article written by:
Senior Project Manager
